FEMA aids in post-Katrina mental health

FEMA aids in post-Katrina mental health
United Press International - August 19, 2006
NEW ORLEANS, Aug 18, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency will direct more than $34 million to aid mental health services in Louisiana for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Thursday's grant by FEMA is the second-largest grant of its kind, topped only by the $132 million New York City received after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported.

The money will reportedly be funneled to the office of mental health within Louisiana's Department of Health and Hospitals, and to Louisiana Spirit, an organization set up by DHH for those traumatized by the hurricane.

"We are very excited about the difference this grant will make in the complete recovery of residents of Louisiana," DHH Secretary Dr. Fred Cerise said.

The money will help pay for an existing hot line -- (800) 273-8255 -- that people can call for help. To date, Louisiana Spirit says it has served 802,000 residents.

Louisiana Spirit employs volunteers and trained professionals who have gone to storm-affected areas seeking people who need psychiatric help. Polls taken in the aftermath of the hurricane reportedly showed a vast need for psychiatric assistance in hurricane-ravaged areas.

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Copyright 2006 by United Press International